Barcelona Airport to City: Taxi or Train?

I usually take a taxi - it is a short ride less than 30 minutes and traffic is not usually a problem.

I'm not exactly sure by what you mean by downtown. But if you are staying anywhere near Las Ramblas try the big blue Aerobus. It will take you right to Plaza de Catalynia at the top of Las Ramblas for less than a 1/3 of the taxi.

There is also a direct bus which takes you directly to the city center. You can't miss it from the airport.

The taxi will cost about 26 euros but that is if there's not a lot of traffic.

My last time there I tried the train/metro. That may have been cheaper but it took me forever to get to my hotel!

Hello,

We stayed in Barcelona for five nights from 26 Feb - 2 March. Took a taxi to and from the airport. Arriving we were charged about 30 Euros (4 people, 4 suitcases and carry ons). From the hotel to the airport we were charged 50 Euros for the same amount of people and luggage).

The taxi is clearly the easiest way to travel, but it is certainly not the cheapest, and may not be the fastest. The taxi will run €25-45 (depending on the traffic, time of day, and professionalism of the driver). Personally, I'd take the shuttle bus ("Bus Lanzadero") from the arrivals gate to the train station (3-5 min) and from there the train to Pza. Cataluña (=r closest train station. Where is your hotel?)

Thanks! The hotel is the Catalonia Albinoni a block below the main plaza at the top of the Ramblas.

You can't get too much more central a location than that. Enjoy your stay.